For Women’s History Month, Honor Flight Chicago is proud to share the following stories of woman veterans. We are proud to have flown hundreds of women heroes on their Day of Honor during our history. We hope that in sharing these stories we inspire you to learn more about their history.

FEATURED VETERANS:

Air Force E5 Kay Ann Akins served in supply during the Vietnam War in both the U.S. and Taiwan. She went on to further serve in the Illinois Air National Guard, retiring as an E8. The camaraderie is something she misses to this day. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Air Force veteran Kris Artz served in the Korean War as a statistical specialist at Headquarters Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base. She volunteered for service and has continued volunteering her entire life. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Master Chief Petty Officer Mary Arvidson served in the Army from 1973 and then the Navy until her retirement in 2012. She performed intelligence work and was stationed in both Germany and England. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Bonnie Cordaro served in the Vietnam War as a charge nurse at the United States Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. She reflects how things have changed when it comes to rules and regulations for women. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Air Force A/1C Amelia Cunningham served as a morning report clerk and personnel specialist during the Korean War. She encourages people to join the military to explore their options and learn their strengths. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Navy First Lieutenant Clelia Ginay served as an ICU nurse during World War II. Interesting tidbit: she describes the uniform and the treatment of nurses at military hospitals during World War II. She also fondly remember meeting her husband in a hospital. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Navy E6 Donna Glielmi served as a data systems technician during the Vietnam War. Her last assignment was in the Philippines supporting the effort to rescue Vietnamese refugees. She is also a member of Operation Education for Honor Flight Chicago. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Navy Lieutenant Gladys Klauke served as a nurse during World War II. Her first duty was to take charge of the amputee soldiers and remembers the kind soldiers she interacted with. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Air Force veteran Patricia Tiner served in aircraft control during the Vietnam War in aircraft control and as a warning intercept tech in both the U.S. and the Philippines. Her passion for planes has led her to encourage women and girls to follow their interests. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Click on the image below to download a PDF full of book suggestions for Women’s History Month!

Click on the link below for a 30-minute mini-lesson plan entitled “Monuments and Memorials” from the National Women’s History Museum! The plan invites students to think critically about public history and the decision-making that goes into designing and advocating for public memorials to commemorate women in American history. Examples of veteran memorials include the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the Women In Military Service for America Memorial.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Our Operation Education volunteers have compiled resources to commemorate many different months and anniversaries on the academic and American calendars. Click the link below to explore more!